This deplorable occurrence caused the earl the greatest distress, as he was compelled to witness the painful spectacle. He vainly besought the officer to stay the hands of the infuriated troopers.

"It grieves me more than my own death," he said, "that these poor inoffensive people should be hurt on my account-perhaps die for me."

"The people are not inoffensive, and must be taught a lesson," replied the officer, declining to interfere.

So the troopers continued riding backwards and forwards for some time to the great terror of the people, and the earl unable to help them, sat down in a chair, which had been placed on the scaffold, and covered his face to exclude the sight.

IV.

The Block.

WHEN the tumult at length subsided, and some of the boldest of the spectators ventured to come back, the earl called to the headsman, and bade him bring him the axe.

Rudely and reluctantly, the surly fellow obeyed.

"Friend, I will not harm it," observed the earl, as he took the implement; "and I am sure it will not harm me."

"Nay, I won't answer for that," rejoined the headsman, with a horrible grin. "Maybe it will. Feel the edge, and you will find it tolerably sharp."

"I would have it sharp," said the earl.

And kissing the weapon he returned it to him.

"Here are two gold pieces-all I have," he added. "I pray thee do thy work effectually."

"I will try," replied the churl, as he put the coin in his pouch.

"Thou hadst best take off thy doublet," said the earl. "'Tis too cumbrous for thy work."

"You are mistaken," replied the man. "It will not hinder me."

Several of the lookers on, displeased by the man's behaviour, here called out: "Kneel, fellow, and ask his lordship's pardon."

But the churl refused, and called out significantly: "It seems you want another lesson from the troopers, my masters."

"As thou wilt, friend," said the earl, desirous that peace should be kept. "I give the pardon thou wilt not ask. May Heaven forgive thee also!"

Hearing a noise, and fearing a fresh delay, he earnestly ejaculated: "How long, Lord, how long!"

Quiet being soon restored, the earl arose from his chair, and looking at the coffin, said: "Thou art my bridal chamber. In thee I shall rest without a guard."

From the coffin he turned to the block, and remarked: "Methinks it is very low, and yet there is but one step from it to Heaven."

But he caused it to be shifted, so that he might see the church, remarking: "While I am here I will look towards thy holy sanctuary, and I know that within a few minutes I shall behold thee, my God and King, in thy sanctuary above. Under the shadow of thy wings shall be my refuge till this calamity be overpast."

V.

Martyrdom.

HE then began to prepare for death, and taking off his blue riband gave it to Baguley to deliver to his son, saying: "He knows my injunctions respecting it."

With Paul Moreau's aid, he next divested himself of his doublet and band, and then addressing the officer said: "Pray tell me how I must lie. I have been called bloodthirsty, yet I had never the severe curiosity to see any man put to death in peace."

"Your lordship had best make the trial," replied the officer.

The earl then laid himself down upon the block, and on rising caused it to be slightly moved.

When this was done, he said to the headsman: "Friend, remember what I told thee. Be no more afraid to strike than I am to die. When I put up my hand, do thy work."

Looking round at his attendants, and at the people who were watching his every action, and listening intently for a word, he lifted up his hands, and exclaimed: "The Lord bless you all. Once more pray for me, and with me."

As he knelt down beside the chair, the injunction was universally obeyed.

After praying fervently for some time, he arose with a smiling countenance, and said: "My soul is now at rest, and so shall my body be immediately. The Lord bless my king and restore him to his rights in this kingdom. The Lord bless this kingdom, and restore the people to their rights in their king, that he and they may join hand in hand to settle truth and peace. The Lord bless this country, this town, this people. The Lord comfort my wife and children. The Lord forgive the authors of my unjust death."

Then laying his neck upon the block, he stretched out his arms, exclaiming: "Blessed be God's holy name for ever and ever!"

With these words he gave the sign. But the headsman moved not.

After a moment of dreadful suspense, the earl arose, and regarding the man sternly, exclaimed: "Why do you keep me from my Saviour? What have I done that I die not to live with Him. Once more I will lie down in peace, and take my everlasting rest."

Again extending himself on the block, he cried out!

"Come, Lord Jesus!-come quickly!"

This time the executioner did not delay, but struck off the noble head at a single blow, amid universal lamentation.

When the body was placed in the coffin, a piece of paper was dropped upon the breast, on which these lines were traced: Bounty, wit, courage,

here in one lie dead,

A STANLEY'S hand, VERE'S heart,

and CECIL'S head.

By the same Author.

Windsor Castle

Saints James's.

Jack Sheppard

The Lancashier Witches

The Star-Chamber.

The Flitch of Bacon

The Spendthrift

Mervyn Clitheroe

Ovingdean Grange

The Constable of the Tower.

The Lord Mayor of London

Cardinal Pole.

John Law

The Spanish Match.

The Constable De Bourbon

Old Court

Myddleton Pomfret